Tapentadol ER is an FDA-approved solution for treating diabetic neuropathic pain. 100 to 250 mg of Tapentadol dosage twice daily was found to be well-tolerated in patients with suffered neuropathic pain.
Diabetic neuropathy is a long-term condition commonly seen in diabetic patients, resulting in nerve pain. Almost 50% of diabetes patients suffer from diabetic neuropathy issues.
One of the approved treatment options for treating neuropathic pain is Tapentadol Extended Release (ER), a safe and effective opioid pain medication.
This blog focuses on the clinical use of Tapentadol in treating pain associated with neuropathy, along with covering its dosage recommendations and safety concerns.
An Overview Of Tapentadol And Diabetic Neuropathic Pain
Tapentadol is an opioid pain medication that is available as brand medications such as Aspadol, Tapal, Nucynta, and Palexia. It is a centrally acting analgesic drug with a dual mechanism of action, thus helping treat both acute and chronic body pain.
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage seen in patients with diabetes. High blood sugar can affect the nerves in our body, especially localized in the lower locomotors of the body, i.e., legs and feet.
The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include pain and numbness in the legs, feet, and hands.
It can also affect our digestive system, urinary tract, heart, and blood vessels. While some people have mild symptoms, others may have painful and disabling symptoms.
The Use Of Tapentadol ER For Diabetic Neuropathic Pain
Tapentadol ER, or the extended-release formula, is the first and the only opioid that was approved by the FDA as a treatment for Neuropathic pain associated with diabetes.
The Extended-release tablets of Tapentadol are designed to release the active compound gradually over a specific period of time. This thus helps in proving a slower and longer duration of action compared to the Immediate release tablets.
A study by Schwartz et al. (2011) on patients with diabetic neuropathic pain showed that the use of Tapentadol ER, when administered in 100 to 250 mg dosages twice a day, was well tolerated and helped in significantly improving the intensity of the pain compared to placebo.
Additionally, the extended-release formula of Tapentadol demonstrated a good analgesic effect in type 2 diabetic patients with chronic pain in a study by Anna Tedeschi et al.
The graph below showcases the improvement in pain associated with diabetic neuropathy with Tapentadol and placebo treatment.
Tapentadol In Managing Painful Peripheral Neuropathies
The dual mechanism of action of Tapentadol contributes to its ability to manage painful peripheral neuropathies (PPN). The norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (NRI) action of Tapentadol appears to be dominant over the μ-opioid receptor agonism (MOR) activity, thus helping manage PPN.
Tapentadol For Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
Following 3 months of treatment with Tapentadol, the average Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4), a screening questionnaire to identify neuropathic pain (NP) in research and clinical practices, declined significantly in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, according to a study by Ulderico Freo et al.
Does Tapentadol Help Nerve Pain?
Diabetic neuropathy often damages the nerves of the feet and legs, causing numbness and pain. Tapentadol pill affects specific centers in the brain to provide you with pain relief from such nerve pain. However, do not take Tapentadol ER pills for mild and short-term pain without consulting a doctor.
Safety Profile- Can Diabetic Patients Take Tapentadol?
The use of Tapentadol in diabetic patients is clinically approved by the FDA and thus is considered safe. Diabetic patients seem to tolerate Tapentadol’s diabetic neuropathic pain treatment well [2].
However, it is essential to consider the following key factors while taking this opioid pain medication to avoid any possible side effects.
-
Beginners should start with a lower dosage of Tapentadol ER tablet.
-
People with kidney, liver, and heart disorders should take this medication with caution.
-
Do not overdose, and follow the dosage and administration guidance for Tapentadol given by your physician.
-
The use of the Tapentadol pill is not recommended for children and people above the age of 65 years.
-
Before administering Tapentadol with your diabetes medication, consult a doctor to avoid drug interaction.
How To Take The Tapentadol Dosage?
Start taking the Tapentadol Immediate-Release 50 to 100 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as per the need of your pain. The dosage of Aspadol or the other brand drug of Tapentadol should not exceed more than 700 mg on day one of the treatment. On subsequent days, a 600 mg dosage can be administered.
In comparison, the Tapentadol ER tablets should be taken twice a day with a dosage gap of 12 hours. The maintenance dose should be 100 mg to 250 mg. Don’t exceed the limit of 500 mg per day.
Tapentadol As A Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Solution - Conclusion
Tapentadol ER has been shown to provide relief from pain associated with diabetic neuropathy within 30 minutes of intake. Its use for Neuropathic pain has been approved by the FDA, thus showcasing its efficacy and safety profile.
However, it is an opioid pain medication that has a potency for abuse and causing dependency, thus requiring proper caution and dosage guidelines. So, ensure to always consult a doctor before getting Aspadol, Nucynta, or any other brand drug of Tapentadol.
For any queries or suggestions regarding this blog, contact us at [email protected].